Community Relations/Crime Prevention

The Elgin Police Department is dedicated to the community oriented policing philosophy. The success of the department’s crime prevention strategies depends upon all personnel working together in partnership with the community. The unit oversees an array of community programs to include the Citizens Police Academy (CPA), Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA), Family Finder Program, Senior Safety Presentations, Senior Citizens Police Academy (SCPA), and various safety presentations as they are requested. One of the longest standing programs is Neighborhood Watch; this program is described below. To learn more about our other programs, click on the links located at the left side of this website page. The Community Relations / Crime Prevention Specialists are ready to help you get involved!View brochures provided by Crime Prevention.

National Night Out Registration Information:

Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 6-8 p.m.

If you choose to host a block party, pleaseclick here to register electronically. All registered parties are eligible for city recognition and must be submitted by June 21, 2019. We require this deadline to ensure we can schedule city officials, Police, Fire, and mascots as visitors to your party.

Questions, please call Cherie at 847-289-2626.

STREET CLOSURE INFORMATION: Don’t forget, if you want to close your street, you must obtain a special events permit:

Questions about permits should be directed to Kate O’Leary: 847-931–6770 or email oleary_k@cityofelgin.org. The $10 fee is waived for National Night Out parties. A 30-day notice for processing is requested. Barricades are available at A-Z rental and street closures are only allowed until dusk.

National Night Out

National Night Out is a great opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another and bring more people into the process of preventing crime. Neighborhood Watch groups, homeowner’s associations, and any interested residents are encouraged to participate in National Night Out by sponsoring a block party. Registration for the August 6 party closes on June 21, 2019, get registered today!

Neighborhood Watch Groups

Elgin has 140 Neighborhood Watch Groups. Neighborhood Watch Groups are the eyes and the ears of the community. All groups have a Block Captain. Block Captains, along with neighbors, are encouraged to become actively involved in crime prevention efforts, as well as the important process of information exchange between neighbors and the police department. Block Captains receive periodic newsletters providing crime tips and updates; click here to view issues that were released.

On the first Tuesday of the odd numbered months at 7:00 p.m., the police department hosts a meeting for Block Captains. The meetings are held in the North Community Room, which is located on the first floor of the police department.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

This training helps residents to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in our community. The course includes hands-on exercises, tabletop disaster scenarios, disaster preparedness overview, light search and rescue and basic disaster first aid. At the conclusion of the course, residents will feel prepared and confident in their ability to take care of their family and neighborhood following an unexpected disaster. Classes are hosted at the police department in our Training Room. For more information, click here. Contact Karen Flanagan with any questions.

Senior Services

Crime Prevention Specialist Cherie Aschenbrenner is highly involved with our senior community and has a vast knowledge of resources available to them. If you need help with a senior issue, give Cherie a call.